Classic and Vintage Bicycles: Whats it Worth? Appraisals and InquiriesUse this subforum for all requests as to "How much is this vintage bike worth?"Do NOT try to sell it in here, use the Marketplaces.

I agree with miamijim. The early 80s models don't pull the same prices as the mid- to late-80s models. The early models have 27" wheels, no mid-fork braze on, one set of bottle bosses vs. 3 for later models, half-step vs. wide range chainring setup, and heavier tubing.

From a buyer's perspective, I agree that $200 + inevitable maintenance costs would be fair, but even the early models command a higher price. One example just sold recently on ebay for $375 + $80 shipping. It's possible the ebay example is cleaner (it does indeed appear very clean, though the photos aren't great).

Miyata 1000's are great bikes but 1000's of that vintage are 'low tech'. No indexing, no cassette hub and not as many braze-ons as the newer bikes.

Based on the ratty bar tape its safe to assume all the disposables need replacing. Tires, cables, brake pads, bar tape and bearing repacking.

I can't tell crap from that CL photo but some of my best bikes have come with "ratty" bar tape. Like my '73 Raleigh Pro which didn't need a thing replaced.

Usually means they've been they've been ridden a lot. For a good reason. And despite the lack of a cassette hub, lack of indexing (?) and not so many braze-ons, aren't you the one that said this in this thread:

I can't tell crap from that CL photo but some of my best bikes have come with "ratty" bar tape. Like my '73 Raleigh Pro which didn't need a thing replaced.

Usually means they've been they've been ridden a lot. For a good reason. And despite the lack of a cassette hub, lack of indexing (?) and not so many braze-ons, aren't you the one that said this in this thread:

"The 1000 model has always been the finest touring bike ever made and its better than most custom made rigs for a variety of reasons."

Interesting ..

Scott

Well, if the rest of the bike is 'pristine' and your trying to get top dollar wouldnt you replace the bar tape? Ratty bar tape on a bike like that tells me alot. Even if it didnt need anything $600 is still too much.

I stand by my previous quote. The 1000 is the finest production touring bike ever made. That doesnt mean they're all worth top dollar.

Well, if the rest of the bike is 'pristine' and your trying to get top dollar wouldnt you replace the bar tape? Ratty bar tape on a bike like that tells me alot. Even if it didnt need anything $600 is still too much.

I stand by my previous quote. The 1000 is the finest production touring bike ever made. That doesnt mean they're all worth top dollar.

Ratty bar tape doesn't tell me a thing. In some circles, original bar tape is a plus. Perhaps not on a Miyata, but certainly not a warning sign.

Yea, but I bet it's worth more than your appraisal, considering it's heritage. After all, what does new bar tape cost? And of course the end use? Touring? Well worth over $200.

Thats my point. If your trying to get more than top dollar it better be immaculate. Not spending $10 when your trying to get $600 sets off alarm bells.

Jim. let's appraise the bike, not the average human being's ability to know how to sell on Craigslist. I honestly can't tell dung from that little photo, maybe you're seeing more or less than I am. The Miyata 1000 is an awesome touring bike, regardless how early in the '80's it is. If you want to seriously tour (I never had to rely on extra braze on's or cassettes) than for $600, based on that one photo, that's a lot of bang for the buck compared to the prices nowadays for touring bikes.

FYI, when I got back from a tour, yea, my tape was ratty too, usually in the same condition as I was.

It's a good discussion, I always learn a lot from the "enemy" ...... btw, the Fuji Touring Series V was the best touring bike ever built.

If you want to seriously tour (I never had to rely on extra braze on's or cassettes) than for $600, based on that one photo, that's a lot of bang for the buck compared to the prices nowadays for touring bikes

I'll have to respectfully disagree here. If the OP is looking for a serious touring machine, a used modern rig in this price range is likely to be far superior. For one, many modern touring frames are now built with oversized tubes which provide far better stability under load (and often the frames are lighter). They also have clearance for much wider tires which is the current preference among many serious tourists. Gearing options are also different today, with both a wider range of gears and lower gearing available. Sensible touring rigs are equipped with 46/36/26 or similar chainsets today, and modern rear and front MTB deraillers are superior to their vintage counterparts. Modern frames are also optimized for 700c or 26" wheels - which provide far more tire and rim options than 27" wheels.

Now, if the OP is more interested in the Miyata as a collectible, or s/he is set on touring on a vintage rig, that's another story. I think it would be a great practical option at $200, but that isn't in the cards here.

+10 For that kind of money, you could get a sweet modern touring bike. And for quite a bit less, you could get a really nice vintage touring bike (see the one for sale in the marketplace right now). So either way, you have much better choices out there.

+1 A seller serious about getting top dollar will pay attention to the details: bar tape, tires, overall cleanliness, etc. A small investment in minor details can really make a bike pop. And a serious seller would have much better pictures on Craigs List.

So I would say the seller is certainly serious about his price, but not aware that presentation, condition, and year do have a significant impact on value.

+10 For that kind of money, you could get a sweet modern touring bike. And for quite a bit less, you could get a really nice vintage touring bike (see the one for sale in the marketplace right now). So either way, you have much better choices out there.

+1 A seller serious about getting top dollar will pay attention to the details: bar tape, tires, overall cleanliness, etc. A small investment in minor details can really make a bike pop. And a serious seller would have much better pictures on Craigs List.

So I would say the seller is certainly serious about his price, but not aware that presentation, condition, and year do have a significant impact on value.

I'm sorry, I'm having a bad night and my brain isn't firing on all the gears tonight. Can you please direct me to where I can find lugged steel, same or equal quality, fully equipped, sweet, modern touring bike for for $600?.

What are you guys looking at? The special version of CL? Cleanliness? Tires? Help me out here!